Page 100 of Hunter or Hunted

Rhiannon’s lawyers said it could go either way. Because Angela hadn’t assaulted Simone, at least not recently, the order may not stick. Especially because Angela had either filed, or would soon file, for visitation rights to Junie.

It seemed unlikely she’d be awarded that since she and Junie had no established relationship. The murky area, though, was the reason Junie and Angela had no relationship. Simone had taken Junie and run in the night.

Although Rhiannon’s team had kept Simone from violating previous custody agreements, Angela had a case. She hadn’t lost contact with her granddaughter on her own accord. Simone had taken that choice from her.

As such, there was a possibility that a judge would award Angela visitation.

The chance was slim, considering Angela’s record, paired with the present stalking and harassment. But a chance all the same.

Simone didn’t like that news, but she thanked Rhiannon for her help and left. When I chased after her, telling her everything would be okay, she insisted she was fine. She planned to spend her day doing whatever Junie wanted. Swimming at the pool, or snow tubing on the ridge, or watching movies and eating junk food together. Just her and Junie, a mother-daughter day.

I got the message and gave her the space. I reminded her that if she needed anything, she could call.

She didn’t.

Rhiannon caught up with me outside the legal building and asked if I was still interested in that outreach position. When I told her I was, she invited me back inside and sat me down at her desk.

She loaded up a laptop and opened an inbox full of emails.

“These are the applications,” she said. “The same one you filled out when you got here.”

I remembered it.

Name and age

Marital status

Number of children, if applicable.

Number of pets, if applicable. Please include breed if possible.

Do you have friends or family who would be willing to house you and whoever is with you (children, pets, etc.) until you can get on your feet?

Where’s the best place to reach you? Please list any and all points of contact.

What is your highest level of education?

Have you attended any form of higher education? (college, nurse’s aide, skill schools)

What is your occupation?

How long have you been with your partner?

How old is your partner?

How did you meet?

How often did violence occur in your relationship, and what was the nature of it (smacking, punching, biting, strangling, sexual violence, etc.)? Describe in as much detail as you are able.

How many times have you left?

Why did you leave this time?

Do you still love your partner?

Is there any hope left for your relationship?

If you were given the opportunity to leave and never see your partner again, would you take it?